Back-to-School Budgeting 101: Practical Money-Saving Tips for Parents

Back-to-school season can put a serious dent in a family’s finances. From crayons and notebooks to new sneakers and laptops, the costs of equipping your kids for the school year add up quickly. U.S. families with children in elementary through high school plan to spend around $858 on back-to-school shopping this year. That includes classroom supplies, clothing, electronics, lunch gear, and more. The good news is that with some smart planning and shopping strategies, you can stick to a budget and even find great deals along the way. 

Let’s dive in and set your family up for a successful (and budget-friendly) school year!

Typical Back-to-School Expenses to Plan For

Before you start shopping, it helps to know what expenses to expect. Back-to-school costs can vary by your child’s age, but most parents end up budgeting for similar categories. Make a checklist of the following common expenses:

• School Supplies: Notebooks, binders, paper, pencils, pens, crayons, folders, markers, calculators, and other classroom essentials. Teachers often provide a supply list. Many basics are inexpensive, but the small items can add up. Don’t forget a sturdy backpack if your children aren’t reusing theirs from last year – quality packs can range widely in price, from basic $10 models to high-end brands.
• Clothing and Shoes: Kids often need new clothes or uniforms for the school year, especially since they may have outgrown last year’s wardrobe. This includes everyday school outfits, a pair of decent sneakers, possibly dress clothes for events, and seasonal outerwear. Clothing costs are a major part of back-to-school budgets (families spend roughly $250 on average for apparel and accessories), so plan for the essentials. You can always buy a few pieces now and more later as needed.
• Electronics and Tech: For older kids, this might include a calculator (graphing calculators for high school can be $100+), a laptop or tablet, headphones, or a basic cellphone. Electronics are often the single biggest expense category – K-12 families now budget nearly $300 on average for electronics. If your student needs a computer or device, consider any requirements from the school (for example, some high schools have specific laptop programs) and shop sales, or consider refurbished models to save money.
• Lunch Gear and Supplies: If your child brings lunch to school, you may need a lunchbox or bag, reusable containers, a water bottle, and ice packs. These items can usually be found affordably, especially during back-to-school sales.
• Extracurricular and Activity Fees: Don’t overlook school-related fees and equipment for activities. This might include sports gear and uniforms, musical instruments or band equipment, art supplies for electives, lab fees, field trip costs, or club dues. Some of these come up at the start of school; others might pop up later in the year, but it’s wise to set aside a small fund for extracurriculars. If your child is younger, activity costs might be things like preschool activity fees or supplies for special projects.

By anticipating these categories, you can create a more accurate back-to-school budget. 

Now, let’s look at strategies to keep those costs down.

Shop Smart: Use Coupons, Discounts, and Rewards Programs

Why pay full price if you don’t have to? Savvy parents can stretch their back-to-school dollars by taking advantage of coupons, store discounts, and loyalty programs:

• Sign up for Retailer Emails or Apps: Many stores will send newcomers a coupon (e.g., 10–20% off your purchase) when you sign up for their email newsletter or download their app. For example, Old Navy and Target often provide a discount code for first-time app users or email subscribers. These apps also frequently have digital coupons or promo codes you can apply at checkout. Spending a few minutes to sign up can lead to significant savings on your cart.
• Join Loyalty Programs: Major retailers like Target, Staples, and Amazon have free loyalty programs that reward you for shopping. Target’s Target Circle program regularly offers exclusive discounts on school items, and if you have a Target RedCard (debit or credit), you get 5% off every purchase automatically. Staples’ Rewards program gives you credit or coupons back after you purchase a certain amount of supplies. Amazon’s Prime members get free shipping and access to special deals. Many clothing stores (like Old Navy/Gap’s loyalty program or Kohl’s rewards) also give points or cash-back rewards. These programs cost nothing to join and can stack on top of sale prices, yielding extra savings.
• Use Coupons and Promo Codes: Check your mailers, email, or websites like RetailMeNot for any back-to-school coupons. You might find coupons like “$10 off a $50 purchase” for office supply stores or clothing retailers. Manufacturer coupons for school supply brands (e.g., for name-brand markers or glue) can sometimes be found online or in local papers and can be combined with store sales. Don’t forget about coupon apps/browser extensions that automatically apply coupon codes at checkout. Rakuten is also a great idea for receiving cash back on top of discounts. A little coupon stacking can knock a good chunk off your total.
• Leverage Credit Card Rewards (Responsibly): If you have a credit card with cashback or rewards points, consider using it for big school purchases only if you can pay it off to avoid interest. For example, some cards offer 2-5% cashback on groceries, which could apply if you buy school snacks or even gift cards to retailers (a savvy trick: buying a Target gift card at a grocery store with a 5% cashback card). Another idea is using accumulated rewards points to redeem for store gift cards or statement credits to offset school expenses. Just be careful to stick to your budget and not carry a balance – the goal is to save money, not incur debt.
• Combine Deals for Maximum Savings: Stack methods when possible. For instance, you might use a store coupon, plus a loyalty reward, plus a sale price, and then get cashback via a credit card or an app like Rakuten. It takes a bit of effort, but it can lead to significant savings when combined. Many retailers also price-match competitors on identical items, so keep an eye out if a certain supply is cheaper elsewhere – you might get your preferred store to match it.

Time Your Shopping: Sales Events and Tax-Free Weekends

When you shop is just as important as how you shop. A key strategy for back-to-school budgeting is to time your purchases to coincide with big sales and special tax-free days:

• Shop During Sales Tax Holidays: A number of U.S. states offer sales tax holidays in late July or early August, where for a few days, certain school-related purchases are exempt from sales tax. If your state participates, this can effectively save you anywhere from ~4% to 10% (depending on your local tax rate) on a big chunk of your shopping list. Typically, eligible items include clothes, shoes, and school supplies, and some states also include computers or tech up to a certain price limit. Check your state’s details – there’s usually a maximum cost per item that’s tax-free (for instance, clothing items up to $100 might qualify). During the tax holiday, the tax comes off automatically at checkout for qualifying purchases, even online (as long as the item ships during the period). Just be prepared for stores to be a bit busier on those weekends.
• Buy Off-Season When Possible: Think ahead to what your kids will need in a few months. For example, since it’s August and still hot out, you might hold off on buying fall clothing like hoodies and long pants until those go on sale in September or October. Immediately before or after a season change, retailers discount the prior season’s stock. This could mean snagging winter coats in early spring at a steep discount for next year, or buying next year’s backpack during post-back-to-school clearance. Some parents even do a big portion of school shopping on Labor Day weekend or in September, when many school supplies and clothes get marked down to make room for holiday merchandise. You can store the items for when your child needs them.
• Don’t Skip Clearance Racks: As the initial back-to-school rush passes, stores often have clearance sections for remaining school supplies or apparel. You might find notebooks, pencil cases, or backpacks at 50-70% off in mid-September. Likewise, summer clothing on clearance can work for early school year weeks (or save for next year if you size up). By timing some purchases for after the peak season, you’ll score deeper discounts. 

Timing your shopping requires a bit of planning, but it can dramatically lower costs. Many families have caught onto this: surveys show nearly half of parents wait for the best deals, and about a quarter intentionally spread out their back-to-school budget rather than spending it all at once. Which brings us to our next tip...

Spread Out Purchases and Avoid Last-Minute Splurges

It’s tempting to try to get all the back-to-school shopping done in one marathon trip, but that may not be the best approach for your wallet. Consider spreading out your purchases over a few paychecks or months. Here’s why and how:

• Start Early to Spread the Cost: The earlier you start, the more you can space out the spending. For instance, maybe you bought a few supplies or a pair of shoes in July, then another batch of items in August, and eventually some winter clothing in September. This way, you’re not hitting your bank account all at once. We know it’s already August, but don’t worry – you can still spread out costs by planning another mini-shopping trip later for anything that isn’t urgently needed in the first week of school.
• Don’t Buy Everything Before Day One: Despite the urge to have kids completely outfitted before school starts, remember that school is a long season. It’s perfectly fine – even savvy – to delay some purchases until they’re actually necessary. For example, hold off on buying a ton of new fall clothing this month when your child might not wear sweaters or jeans until October. Similarly, if the school supply list has non-immediate items (like art supplies for a project later in the year), those can wait. Focus on what’s needed for the first month, and plan to pick up other items later. 
• Stagger Big-Ticket Purchases: If you have multiple children or a tight budget, prioritize one or two big items at a time. Maybe this month you budget for the new laptop your high schooler needs, and next month you tackle the sports gear for your middle schooler. Spreading out big purchases can be easier than absorbing all those costs in one billing cycle. Additionally, if you suspect a needed item might drop in price later (for instance, a certain calculator or tablet often goes on sale in September), try to wait it out.
• Avoid Last-Minute Panic Buying: Procrastination can be costly. When you’re scrambling the night before school to get something, you’ll likely pay whatever it costs. By planning a gradual shopping schedule, you reduce the chance of expensive last-minute runs. However, if you do find yourself missing something at the last minute, still take a breath – even in late August or early September, many stores have ongoing school sales. Stick to your list when in a rush; get the item you need and avoid throwing extras into the cart out of impulse or anxiety.

Buy Secondhand and Reuse to Save Big

Not everything for the school year has to be brand new. Embracing secondhand items and reusing supplies can dramatically cut costs and is eco-friendly to boot. Consider these tips:

• Reuse Last Year’s Gear: First, shop at home! See what school supplies are left over from last year – half-used notebooks, unused pens, spare folders, etc. There’s no shame in using the same backpack or lunchbox again if it’s in good condition. For older kids, big-ticket items like calculators, sports gear, or musical instruments can often be reused year to year or handed down to younger siblings. Binders and scissors don’t wear out in one year – if you have them already, that’s one less thing to buy.
• Thrift Stores and Consignment Sales: Kids, especially younger ones, can outgrow clothes before they’ve even worn them out. Thrift shops, consignment stores, and online resale platforms are goldmines for gently used kids’ clothing at a fraction of retail prices. You might find brand-name kids’ jeans, jackets, or sneakers in great shape for a few dollars. Some areas also have seasonal kids’ consignment events where you can score bulk deals on clothing, toys, and books. For school uniforms or standard attire, check if your school or community holds a uniform swap or sale. Don’t forget thrift stores for things like backpacks, lunchboxes, or sports equipment – a quick wash and they’re good to go.
• Online Marketplaces: Browse sites like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, or local parent groups for secondhand school items. Often, other parents are selling last year’s backpack or an outgrown instrument or calculator for cheap. You can find used textbooks or reading books for English class online as well. If your high schooler needs a specific graphing calculator model, see if you can buy a used one from a recent graduate. 
• “Buy Nothing” Groups and Community Resources: Look into your local Buy Nothing group (often hosted on Facebook or via the Buy Nothing Project). These are communities where people give away items they no longer need for free. As the school year approaches, lots of parents purge closets and offer up extra binders, kids’ clothes, or books. You might snag a backpack or a stack of folders without spending a dime. Also, check community centers, libraries, or nonprofits – many run back-to-school drives providing free supplies or filled backpacks to families. 
• Refurbished Tech: If your student needs a laptop or tablet, consider buying a refurbished one from a reputable seller. Manufacturers like Apple, Dell, and Lenovo have certified refurbishment programs where devices are like-new but sold at a discount. Stores like Best Buy also sell open-box or Geek Squad-certified electronics cheaper than new. For younger kids who might just need a basic device for occasional use, a used or refurb model can be very budget-friendly. Just ensure it meets the school’s specifications and comes with at least a short warranty.

Best Retailers for Back-to-School Deals 💰

Finally, let’s talk about where to shop for the best deals. Certain stores are go-to destinations for budget-conscious parents during back-to-school season. Here are some top retailers known for great prices and promotions (and how to make the most of them):

• Walmart: Long known for its everyday low prices, Walmart is a one-stop shop for both supplies and clothing. During back-to-school, Walmart offers many basic supplies at rock-bottom prices (think 50¢ notebooks, $1 packs of pencils). They often roll back prices on popular items and bundle value packs. Check Walmart’s weekly ad or their app for “school savings” sections. Walmart tends not to do traditional coupons, but their prices are competitive. Also, consider Walmart’s store brands (like Pen+Gear for supplies or Wonder Nation for clothing) – they’re usually much cheaper than name brands, and quality is decent.
• Target: Target combines a huge selection with lots of ways to save. Every summer, Target runs a Back-to-School sale both in-store and online. You’ll see deep discounts, like up to 85% off on standard school supplies like notebooks, pens, and more. Target often has great deals on dorm/college items, too, but for K-12, they shine in clothing and basics. They sometimes do bundle deals (for example, in past years Target bundled a backpack with a lunch box, water bottle, and school accessories for a flat $20 – a fantastic value). To maximize Target savings, use Target Circle offers in the app, and if you have a CircleCard (formerly RedCard), you’ll save an extra 5%. Target also price-matches other retailers, so if you see a better price at Walmart or Amazon, Target will often match it on the spot.
• Amazon: The convenience king, Amazon, is extremely popular for back-to-school shopping. Amazon’s website has a dedicated Back-to-School section each year, with curated deals on supplies, backpacks, tech, clothing, and more. You can often find bulk packs or harder-to-find items here. Amazon’s prices fluctuate, but during school season, they offer many items at 50% off or more. Prime members should watch for Lightning Deals on school items and take advantage of free fast shipping. Use Amazon’s subscription service for things like lunch snacks, or routine school needs (you often save 5-15% by subscribing). And of course, Prime Days are a chance to grab big-ticket items (calculators, shoes, electronics) at a discount if you plan ahead. Just compare prices – in some cases, other retailers might still beat Amazon on certain sale items, so it pays to double-check.
• Old Navy (and other apparel stores): Clothing retailers like Old Navy, Gap, The Children’s Place, and department stores often run huge back-to-school apparel sales. Old Navy is a favorite for budget-friendly kids’ fashion – they typically offer up to 50% off back-to-school styles each year. You can get basics like jeans, leggings, and tees at very low prices, and they often have coupon codes (like an extra 20% off your online order) or “SuperCash” rewards that give you discounts on a future purchase. If your kids wear uniforms, Old Navy and The Children’s Place are known for affordable uniform polos and pants. Also, check clearance racks for any off-season steals (buying next size up for later can save a bundle). And don’t forget to use loyalty rewards if you have them from prior shopping.
• Staples (and Office Depot/OfficeMax): Office supply stores are the holy grail for ultra-cheap school supplies in late July/August. Staples, in particular, runs weekly deals where certain items are just pennies or a dollar – for example, notebooks for $0.50, packs of pens for $0.97, etc. Staples also has a Rewards program (earn coupons for future use) and often releases online coupon codes (like $20 off a $100 purchase, which is great if you need a big-ticket item like a printer or calculator). Office Depot/OfficeMax has similar deals – sometimes you’ll find one-cent folders or $2 packs of Sharpies in their ad. A strategy here – cherry-pick the best deals at these stores each week. Even if you don’t do all your shopping there, grabbing the loss-leader specials can save a lot. Also, if you’re a teacher or homeschool parent, these stores typically have teacher appreciation events with extra discounts, worth looking into for additional savings.
• Dollar Stores and Others: Don’t overlook dollar stores (Dollar Tree, Dollar General, Family Dollar) for basics like notepads, pens, or even poster board for projects. They often carry generic versions of supplies very cheaply. Just be cautious with quality on items that need to last (e.g., backpacks or shoes from a dollar store might not endure the full year). Thrift stores, as mentioned, are also great for books (some thrift shops have entire sections of children’s books – perfect if your student has a reading list) and random supplies. 

Final Thoughts: Making Back-to-School Budgeting Work for You

Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to be a dreaded annual expense. With the right approach, you can turn it into an opportunity to teach your kids about budgeting and resourcefulness, while also scoring some great bargains. Start by planning out what you truly need and setting a budget for those items. Prioritize the must-haves and be mindful of not overspending on the “wants.” Use every tool at your disposal: coupons, store rewards, and timing your purchases to align with sales and tax-free days. Don’t be afraid to spread out purchases over the summer or into the school year – many parents do the same to ease the financial strain. Embrace secondhand items and reuse what you can; your wallet (and the planet) will thank you.

Most importantly, keep an eye on the bigger picture of your family budget. Back-to-school is just one season – you want to handle it in a way that doesn’t derail your other financial goals. By following these strategies, you’ll equip your children for success in the classroom without breaking the bank. Here’s to a happy, healthy, and budget-smart school year ahead! 🎒💵✨